For dog owners, the desire to explore new places with their furry companions is strong. Amtrak, the national passenger railroad, provides a convenient and comfortable way to travel across the country. But what about our canine companions? Can dogs travel on Amtrak? While not all trains are dog-friendly, Amtrak offers a limited number of options for traveling with your dog. This article explores the rules and regulations surrounding pet travel on Amtrak, including permitted breeds, size limitations, and necessary paperwork.
Understanding Amtrak’s Pet Policy
Amtrak’s pet policy allows for the transportation of certain types of animals, including dogs, cats, and other small pets. However, there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed. The policy is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and pets.
Which Dogs Can Travel on Amtrak?
Amtrak permits dogs classified as “service animals” and “emotional support animals” to travel on its trains. However, the definition of both can be somewhat confusing.
Service Animals
Service animals are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as dogs that are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks can include:
- Guiding individuals who are blind or have low vision.
- Alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds.
- Providing assistance with mobility for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Assisting individuals with seizures or other medical conditions.
Service animals are not required to wear any specific identification, but they must be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered while on Amtrak property. They are not permitted to sit on seats, but are allowed to lie at the feet of their handler.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not recognized under the ADA. However, Amtrak recognizes the importance of ESAs for some individuals and will allow them to travel on its trains if certain criteria are met.
- The passenger must provide written documentation from a licensed mental health professional verifying the need for an ESA.
- The ESA must be properly harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered while on Amtrak property.
- ESAs are not allowed to sit on seats, and they must remain in the passenger’s care at all times.
Pet-Friendly Trains
While Amtrak permits service animals and ESAs on all trains, only a limited number of trains are considered “pet-friendly”. These trains allow passengers to bring their pets in designated pet-friendly cars.
Pet-Friendly Car Requirements
- Pre-booking is required: Passengers must book a pet-friendly car at the time of booking their tickets.
- Pet Fee: A pet fee is charged for each pet traveling in a pet-friendly car.
- Limited Capacity: The number of pets allowed on each train is limited, so it’s important to book early.
Restricted Breeds and Size Limitations
Amtrak does not permit certain breeds of dogs to travel on its trains, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids. This restriction is in place due to concerns about potential aggression.
- Size Limitations: Pets must be small enough to fit in a carrier that measures no larger than 19″ x 13″ x 19″ (48 cm x 33 cm x 48 cm).
- Weight Limit: The combined weight of the pet and its carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds (9 kg).
Required Paperwork
- Vaccination Records: Amtrak requires proof of up-to-date vaccinations for all pets. This includes rabies vaccination, as well as vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, and bordetella.
- Health Certificate: In some cases, Amtrak may require a health certificate from a veterinarian, especially for international travel.
- ID Tag: Pets must have an ID tag with their owner’s name and contact information.
Travel Etiquette
- Proper Leashing and Restraint: Pets must be leashed or otherwise restrained at all times while on Amtrak property.
- Potty Breaks: Passengers are responsible for taking their pets outside to relieve themselves before boarding and during the journey.
- Quiet Conduct: Pets should be kept quiet and well-behaved to minimize disruption to other passengers.
- Proper Carrier: When traveling in a carrier, ensure it is secure and well-ventilated.
Alternatives to Amtrak for Pet Travel
If your dog does not meet Amtrak’s pet policy requirements, or you are traveling with a pet that is not permitted on Amtrak trains, you may consider alternative travel options:
- Driving: Driving your own car gives you the most flexibility when it comes to pet travel. You can make stops whenever your pet needs a break, and you can bring all of your pet’s belongings.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Many airlines offer pet-friendly options, including cabins and cargo space for pets. However, there are specific requirements and fees that vary by airline.
- Pet Transportation Services: Several companies specialize in transporting pets across long distances. These services offer various options, including door-to-door pick-up and delivery.
Conclusion
Traveling with your furry companion can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding pet travel. Amtrak offers limited options for pet travel, and specific criteria must be met for dogs to be permitted on its trains. By understanding the pet policy, preparing necessary documentation, and following travel etiquette, you can make your journey with your dog as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Ultimately, choosing the best travel option depends on your individual needs and your pet’s specific requirements.
FAQ
Can I Bring My Dog On Amtrak?
Generally, Amtrak does not allow pets on board their trains. There are a few exceptions for service animals that are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities. These animals must be properly harnessed, leashed, or otherwise restrained and must be under the control of their owner or handler at all times. They are not allowed to occupy a seat or obstruct walkways. It is important to note that Amtrak does not provide kennels or other accommodations for service animals.
However, passengers may bring small pets, such as cats and dogs, in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of them on certain Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach routes. These routes are operated by third-party companies, and passengers should check with the specific motorcoach operator for their pet policies.
What Types of Dogs Are Allowed On Amtrak?
Amtrak only allows service animals on board their trains. These animals must be specifically trained to assist people with disabilities. They must be properly harnessed, leashed, or otherwise restrained and must be under the control of their owner or handler at all times. Service animals are not allowed to occupy a seat or obstruct walkways. It is important to note that Amtrak does not provide kennels or other accommodations for service animals.
Pets are not allowed on Amtrak trains, but passengers may bring small pets, such as cats and dogs, in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of them on certain Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach routes. These routes are operated by third-party companies, and passengers should check with the specific motorcoach operator for their pet policies.
How Do I Bring My Service Animal On Amtrak?
If you are traveling with a service animal, you must inform Amtrak at the time of booking your reservation. You must also provide documentation from a qualified professional verifying that your animal is a service animal and is trained to perform tasks for you. The documentation should include the type of disability the animal assists with and the tasks it is trained to perform.
Passengers with service animals must be prepared to present this documentation to Amtrak employees upon request. They must also be prepared to comply with all Amtrak rules and regulations regarding service animals. It is important to note that Amtrak may deny boarding to a service animal if it is not properly trained or if it poses a threat to the safety of other passengers.
What Are The Rules For Service Animals On Amtrak?
Service animals must be specifically trained to assist people with disabilities. They must be properly harnessed, leashed, or otherwise restrained and must be under the control of their owner or handler at all times. Service animals are not allowed to occupy a seat or obstruct walkways. It is important to note that Amtrak does not provide kennels or other accommodations for service animals.
Passengers with service animals must also be prepared to present documentation from a qualified professional verifying that their animal is a service animal and is trained to perform tasks for you. The documentation should include the type of disability the animal assists with and the tasks it is trained to perform. Passengers must be prepared to present this documentation to Amtrak employees upon request.
Are There Any Exceptions To The Pet Policy?
Amtrak only allows service animals on board their trains. There are no exceptions to this policy. However, passengers may bring small pets, such as cats and dogs, in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of them on certain Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach routes. These routes are operated by third-party companies, and passengers should check with the specific motorcoach operator for their pet policies.
It is important to note that Amtrak does not provide kennels or other accommodations for service animals. Passengers are responsible for providing their own accommodations for their service animal, including food, water, and waste disposal.
What Happens If My Dog Is Not A Service Animal?
If your dog is not a service animal, it is not allowed on Amtrak trains. Amtrak does not provide kennels or other accommodations for pets. However, passengers may bring small pets, such as cats and dogs, in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of them on certain Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach routes. These routes are operated by third-party companies, and passengers should check with the specific motorcoach operator for their pet policies.
It is important to note that Amtrak may deny boarding to any animal that is not properly trained or if it poses a threat to the safety of other passengers. Passengers are responsible for ensuring that their pets are properly contained and for cleaning up after them.
Can I Bring My Emotional Support Animal On Amtrak?
Amtrak does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. Emotional support animals are not specifically trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. As a result, they are not allowed on board Amtrak trains.
Passengers may bring small pets, such as cats and dogs, in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of them on certain Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach routes. These routes are operated by third-party companies, and passengers should check with the specific motorcoach operator for their pet policies. It is important to note that Amtrak does not provide kennels or other accommodations for emotional support animals.